Best regards,

Dana Betz

Great news! Over 500 Colorado adoptees have received their OBC’s since July 1, 2009. The courts are also generating a new form which will make it easier for adoptees to request court records, and the Department of Human Services just approved a rule which now allows them to release certain records in their posssession. See our website for more details.

Julie

Best regards,

Dana Betz

For those who fall outside the 1951-1967 dates, you still have the option of registries or using a confidential intermediary (but plans are forming for more progress!). Also, if you are already reunited you can release records through mutual consent of the parties, or if your search has revealed a deceased loved one, the Colorado Statute (Section 19-5-305) allows you to get your records too.

For those adopted before 1949, the new Appeals Court ruling states in the dicta of the case that there is no indication in the legislative history that the 1949 law which sealed records was intended to be applied retroactively. However,because that holding is not part of the official ruling (last couple of paragraphs) courts and Vital Records are not allowing pre-’49 adoptees access. It may be reasonable to argue that, based on average life expectancy, your birth parents are deceased if you were adopted prior to 1949.

Adoptees in Search – Colorado’s Triad Connection is hosting a conference Sept. 18-19 entitled Music of the Soul. Our featured guest speakers are Hon. Ray Martinez, former Mayor of Fort Collins Colorado,and author of Baby Boy R; and Marlou Russell, PhD, a psychologist who specialized in adoption related issues. She is the author of Adoption Wisdom: a Guide to the Issues and Emotions of Adoption. For information, call us at 303/232-6302 or email bballmon@aol.com. Location is near the Denver Tech Center (intersection of I-25 and I-225) Hope you can make it!

Also, just wanted to let everyone know our website will be moving soon – watch for an update.

Best regards,

Dana
OmniTrace Corp.

I am disappointed that my birthdate in January 1949 will not be included which leaves me in the same difficulty.

Is there any option??

Best regards,

Dana Betz
OmniTrace Corp.
888-965-6696

2) The Denver Juvenile Court has also established a procedure whereby adoptees who were adopted through that court (ONLY) are able to complete a form called the Family Information Request form and receive records without filing a motion with the court. The fee is $9, but could increase by another $15 if the records you seek are off-site in storage. Proof of ID is required. We hope other jurisdictions imitate this practical example soon.

3) For those adopted through other jurisdictions, it is suggested that you review the AIS/CTC Law and Legislation page (www.geocities.com/aisdenver) to see which option might work best for you. Many courts are releasing records based on a Motion and Affidavit (form JDF 343) completed (by an adoptee who is also an attorney) as noted, with an accompanying copy of the Court of Appeals ruling.

4) Keep in mind that adoption records are defined by statute (again, see our Law and Legislation page for the applicable section of law and the specific names of the documents). Therefore, it is not reasonable to expect copies of counseling relinquishment records, home studies, or documents from the post-adoption record. However, it might be a good idea to specify those records in your request and cite the statute, in case the court handling your adoption hasn’t processed any requests yet.

5) Please be patient with court and Vital Records employees. They are receiving a large number of requests, and are not in a position to explain the reasoning behind the time frames (please read the Court’s opinion for that) or offer legal advice. These forms are intended to be “self-help” administrative documents. However, if you know an attorney willing to review yours at a reasonable cost, this is always recommended.